HR0369 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0369 LRB095 12013 KXB 35627 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, situated mid-way between Mattoon and Charleston, opened its doors on May 10, 1977 to serve Coles County and the surrounding six counties, Cumberland, Clark, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, and Shelby; and

WHEREAS, The formation of the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center was the result of two hospitals merging at a critical time: Mattoon Memorial Hospital was old and antiquated, while Charleston Community Hospital was newer, but was struggling financially; together they found common ground and began merger discussions in 1968; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center continues to serve the region by creating easier access to care with clinics in Arcola, Arthur, Sullivan, Neoga, Toledo, Casey, Charleston, and Mattoon; Lincolnland Home Care and Lincolnland Hospice of Sarah Bush Lincoln serve 13 and 15 counties respectively, along with In Home Medical, its durable medical equipment company; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center employs 1,540 people from throughout the region, including 71 physicians and midlevel providers; Sarah Bush Lincoln's main campus sits on about 114 acres; the Health Center and Medical Office Pavilion I and II cover 410,130 gross square feet; in addition, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center owns or leases approximately another 94,000 square feet for its clinics, Lincolnland Home Care, Lincolnland Hospice, In Home Medical, and other support or service functions in the seven counties; and

WHEREAS, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center has been honored with several distinguished awards, including: Solucient's Top 100 Hospitals in the Nation for excellence in quality and financial performance, the 2005 Lincoln Silver Award-Progress Towards Excellence, the 2005 Governor's Pollution Prevention Award, the H2E Partner for Change Award, the 2006 Governor's PATH Award, the 2006 Most Wired Small and Rural Hospital, and the 2006 Coming Up Taller Award Semifinalist; and

WHEREAS, The volunteer force of 300 contributes more than 25,000 hours a year to the organization; through its mission statement, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center provides exceptional care for all and creates healthy communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the physicians and staff of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center on this anniversary event; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center President and CEO, Gary L. Barnett as a symbol of our respect.